Monitoring, Evalutation, Research and Learning (MERL)
Most of our work includes data gathering and learning to understand the program context, strengthen the vision or evidence base for system change. We can help clients understand their impact by building effective monitoring results and learning systems.
Examples of our expertise
Development of frameworks and guidance on technical measurement topics
OU has developed frameworks and guidance on technical measurement topics. Some recent publicly shared examples include guidance for donors on measuring systems change, private sector engagement theory of change and learning questions for CRS, a gender equality and social inclusion measurement framework for rural SME development program in Georgia and a refugee resilience framework for SHARPE.
Monitoring capacity development
OU has built the monitoring capacity of dozens of programs by conducting training workshops, design research instruments, conduct or backstop research efforts and analyze findings. OU can also mobilize researchers and establish processes for data gathering, analysis and aggregation.
DCED Standard application
Impact assessments and systems change measurement
Many OU assignments include data gathering to understand the program context, strengthen the vision or evidence base for system change. We have discovered impact for clients who were not able to understand their impact only because their monitoring process was not asking the right questions to the right stakeholders in the right manner.
Evaluations
OU core team members have done several forward-looking reviews and evaluations, which have helped programs and organizations to take a systems lens in their work.
Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and RVO Combi-tracks (2025 – ongoing)
OU, together with Ecorys is conducting a learning-oriented monitoring for the flagship Combi-tracks initiative.
OECD Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (2022)
OU worked with OECD to develop the approach to monitor the implementation of the Kampala Principles good development practice at the National level.
OU Flagship initiative: Developing a monitoring system suitable for tracking the impact of systemic development.
This monitoring system, together with the efforts of other leading practitioners, became the Donor Committee for Enterprise (DCED) Standard for Results Measurement in Private Sector Development. Key features of Standard include: working with theories of change, approaching results measurement as a process, building up evidence over time, pragmatically using mixed methods for monitoring and evaluation. The Standard is currently implemented by over 150 programs worldwide. OU team member (Nabanita Sen Bekkers) is accredited as an auditor of the Standard.
